Widely regarded as one of the region’s prettiest villages, lovely Ainhoa is tucked amidst rolling hills and green pastures dotted with wild horses. Home to just 650 people, the village is dominated by classic Pays Basque houses. Whether you’re a keen foodie, dreaming of a laid-back family holiday or hoping to hike across picturesque terrain, Ainhoa’s accommodation options offer a wonderful base for a memorable trip. Peruse our list of the best places to stay in Ainhoa to get started!

A resting point for pilgrims following the Way of St James for centuries, Ainhoa has a fascinating history. With many of its buildings razed to the ground during the Fifty Years' War, much of the village was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the exposed stone, green or red shutters and whitewashed exteriors typical of the Basque Country. Step into the 13th-century Church of Our Lady of Assumption, admire Basque funerary art in the cemetery, and visit the Lavoir Alaxurruta, where women once washed their clothes with spring water from the mountains.

Eager hikers will find miles of trails through lush oak forests, home to deer, goats and wild pigs, or across the undulating hills. For a shorter walk and Bay of Biscay views, hike to Chapelle de l'Aubepine. Don’t miss the chance to kayak or raft down the river in nearby Espelette during the summer months. You’ll find the friendly teams at the best places to stay in Ainhoa full of suggestions of things to see and do — and you can expect their Basque cuisine to be absolutely delicious.

The Best Places to Stay in Ainhoa

For Traditional Charm

• La Maison Oppoca is a charming, 17th-century inn with 10 traditional rooms featuring exposed wooden beams, stone walls and a pared-back white-on-white colour palette. There's a small spa, regional cuisine is served in the restaurant and bistro, and families can book a two-bedroom self-catering apartment. A lovely and laid-back Basque country choice.
• Relais du Silence Argi Eder sits on the outskirts of the village. Rooms channel French country style, with red-and-white checked or floral fabrics, cosy quilts and light wooden furniture. There's a tennis court, pool and gourmet restaurant. A friendly, traditional base for active couples, friends or families.

For Foodies

• Ithurria's red-painted shutters hide 28 attractive rooms and suites, some of which sleep up to five guests. The tennis court and swimming pool are great, but the big draw is the marvellous Michelin-star restaurant. A family affair, this gourmet eatery is led by Chef Xavier Isabal, supported by his nephews and his brother Stéphane. Innovative dishes feature homegrown fruit and vegetables with ingredients from local Basque producers. Don't miss the 'Menu Gourmand'!

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Biarritz Pays Basque Airport, 30 minutes' drive from Ainhoa. Alternatively, take the TGV south-west from Paris and then drive across from Toulouse or Bordeaux.
• France is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between May and September for warm weather (with temperatures peaking around 23°C). Spring or autumn visitors can expect cooler temperatures. Showers are most frequent during the winter months, when temperatures hover around 10-12°C.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Biarritz.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.